Visit a Food Pantry

Visiting a food pantry is not usually a place someone wants to go. I have not been in a food pantry since 1999 when my ex-husband was still living here. For years as a single parent, I could put food in the house, but this year I could not. I had to visit a food pantry and I am glad I did.

I am one of those moms who makes too much money to qualify for any state help. I am a member of the working poor. I am not alone in this; I know there are millions like me around the United States.

Last month I paid two house payments and another bill, which was almost 200 dollars. I was trying to write more to bring in the money I so desperately needed and turned in shoddy work. I was suspended for a week and a half. That suspension just added to the money problems.

Because of these money woes and I could not purchase food in the house. I was eating maybe once a day to make sure my child could eat. I did lose weight during this time. I was too proud to ask for help. I did not realize how bad it was until my mom took me out to lunch and my belly started to roll when I put food in there. It was my wake up call.

If you are having trouble getting in money for food, visit a food pantry. Food pantries are there to help us in our time of need. The food they give you may not be exactly what you eat, but having food in your belly allows you to handle the other things easier. I was emotionally hard to do this for me.

My son and adopted nephew took me to the food pantry. I was given two boxes of food, and a bag of different things. The food was a mixture of canned fruits, low salt vegetables, cans of spaghetti sauce, soups, cereals, tuna, hamburger, and lots of pasta. I even got a cake mix, which I baked for my other son's birthday.

Usually on birthdays, since I am among the working poor who make too much to qualify for state aide, I simply make my children a special dinner. This year that special dinner was made a few days after his birthday with food from the food pantry and I am grateful for it.

I can go back in sixty days for more food if I need it, but I am hoping I can weather this storm and get back on track. Visit a food pantry if you are hungry. There really is no shame in it.